#United States #Denver #Children's Hospital #Youth Mental Health #Mind Our Future

Mind Our Future Colorado Unites Gubernatorial Candidates to Tackle Youth Mental Health Crisis

On May 28, 2026, an important forum was held in Denver, hosted by Mind Our Future Colorado, which brought together gubernatorial candidates from across the political spectrum to discuss a pressing issue: the state’s youth mental health crisis. With Colorado ranking 31st in the nation for youth mental health, the meeting aimed to shine a light on the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. This initiative was initiated by Children's Hospital Colorado and Healthier Colorado, focusing on elevating child and youth mental health as a key issue in the upcoming gubernatorial election.

A coalition of nearly 70 healthcare organizations and advocates has formed under the Mind Our Future Colorado banner, with the goal to compel the next governor to take decisive action on youth mental health. Prior to the forum, the coalition released a Policy Playbook which outlines specific recommendations for the future governor to implement immediately upon taking office.

The Forum's Key Highlights

Jena Hausmann, the President and CEO of Children's Hospital Colorado, articulated the importance of youth mental health, stating, “This forum demonstrated the importance of elevating child and youth mental health in this year’s gubernatorial race and beyond.” She emphasized that the Policy Playbook is a vital resource that can guide the incoming administration in effectively addressing this crisis.

Joshua Ewing, Executive Director of Healthier Colorado, also highlighted the urgency, declaring that families can no longer afford to wait for change. With federal funding for mental health programs dwindling, Ewing pointed out that a dedicated leader must step up with innovative solutions.

Before the forum, candidates responded to a questionnaire outlining their commitments to youth mental health initiatives. Here are some notable commitments:

• - U.S. Senator Michael Bennet emphasized an integrated approach to healthcare, pledging to collaborate with state leaders to enhance the healthcare system focusing not only on mental health but also on physical well-being.
• - State Senator Barb Kirkmeyer pledged to prioritize measurable results such as reduced wait times for services, fewer youth crises requiring emergency care, and improved access to community-based treatments.
• - Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser expressed his commitment to making youth mental health a top priority while advocating for mentorship initiatives, addressing social media impacts, and ensuring mental healthcare accessibility.

Policy Playbook Recommendations

The Policy Playbook sketched out a robust yet achievable framework that the next governor can enact within their term. Its core recommendations include:

• - Establishing a Chief Children’s Mental Health Officer with authority across various state agencies.
• - Creating a Children’s Report Card to evaluate child well-being effectively.
• - Introducing a Youth Trust Fund for upstream investments in mental health.
• - Holding social media companies accountable through digital platform fees to contribute to mental health solutions.
• - Developing a Community Step-Down Bridge to assist youths transitioning from high-acuity hospital care to community settings.

The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated. Five years after Children's Hospital Colorado declared a State of Emergency for youth mental health, this forum serves as a crucial step towards systematic support for the state’s children and families. The coalition aims to maintain momentum beyond the election, acting as a sounding board for the new governor to ensure immediate actions tackling the youth mental health crisis.

For detailed insights, the full recording of the forum is available online, and the Policy Playbook can also be accessed via the coalition’s website. Mind Our Future Colorado serves as a powerful wave towards ensuring every child in Colorado can receive the mental health care and community resources essential for their success and well-being.

Conclusion

Mind Our Future Colorado stands as an innovative and essential initiative that advocates for the mental health of youths across the state. As the gubernatorial election approaches, it remains critical for candidates to prioritize actionable solutions to address this ongoing crisis. Leaders from all sectors must collaborate to ensure that the mental well-being of Colorado's youth is not just a political talking point, but a genuine and sustained priority.

For more information or to support this crucial initiative, visit mindourfuturecolorado.com.